History | Smithsonian Magazine

Why Did Medieval People Reopen Graves?

Contrary to some assumptions, the removal of objects from burial sites was not typically motivated by greed

Riis to the Rescue

The role of famed social reformer Jacob Riis in overturning the verdict prefigured today's calls for restorative justice

Inside the Tombs of Saqqara

Dramatic new discoveries in the ancient Egytptian burial ground. A special report produced with Smithsonian Channel

Burial Mound May Be First Military Memorial

Mesopotamians turned a community tomb on the Euphrates into a battle monument

Roman Emperor Vespasian Built the Colosseum to Boost Morale

From his years as a general, Emperor Vespasian knew the morale-boosting effects that a colosseum could have on common people. So he set about building one—a task that would take 10 years

Why Did Medieval People Reopen Graves? — Why Did Medieval People Reopen Graves?

Contrary to some assumptions, the removal of objects from burial sites was not typically motivated by greed

Riis to the Rescue — Riis to the Rescue

The role of famed social reformer Jacob Riis in overturning the verdict prefigured today's calls for restorative justice

Inside the Tombs of Saqqara — Inside the Tombs of Saqqara

Dramatic new discoveries in the ancient Egytptian burial ground. A special report produced with Smithsonian Channel

Burial Mound May Be First Military Memorial — Burial Mound May Be First Military Memorial

Mesopotamians turned a community tomb on the Euphrates into a battle monument

Roman Emperor Vespasian Built the Colosseum to Boost Morale — Roman Emperor Vespasian Built the Colosseum to Boost Morale

From his years as a general, Emperor Vespasian knew the morale-boosting effects that a colosseum could have on common people. So he set about building one—a task that would take 10 years

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Archaeologists Propose 4,500-Year-Old Burial Mound Was World's First Military Memorial

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Inside the Tombs of Saqqara

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The First Mobile Phone Call Was Made 75 Years Ago

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Commemorate Juneteenth With Free Virtual Programs From the Smithsonian

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